April 10: Social Butterfly 

The journey continues: Someone asked me the question recently, “How much did you pay to have your book published?” I recognized the meaning right off: did I use a “Vanity Press” to self-publish my book?  No. I didn’t. But there’s nothing wrong in doing that – if you choose to do so. I have friends who went that route and are happy to have their books in print. Again, there’s nothing wrong in doing that – I just chose the traditional route. If you choose the traditional publishing route, be prepared to wait a while – it can take a long time to just get past the slush pile. Even a nod from a publisher to send the entire story is a win! But again, winners don’t quit and quitters don’t win.

So now I wait. My editor suggested while I wait I should get my social media up to speed. (What???? Oh, the irony in that statement!) I already had a Facebook account and just recently got on Twitter. Now, I have a blog. What more can I do? Well, let me tell you: my Editor suggested a new page on Facebook reserved for writing. I didn’t have a clue how to create it, but I persevered and Viola! I now have a page just for writing. The address is: Sandi Underwood/@gcywriter. I really thought I had it made until a friend tried to find me but found, instead, three other “gcywriter” accounts. She quickly ruled out the rap artist and the lady from another nationality. 

Now to design a website. I am also “developing a list of festivals and bazaars” where I can promote my book – if you are like me and thought you’d sign a contract and in a couple of months be flying off somewhere to visit the location of the new movie, think again. This is work, folks. Exciting work, but work.